Vendors read newspapers at Andrew’s Descent while patrons browse their merchandise.
Andriyivs’kyi uzviz, or Andrew’s Descent, might be Kiev’s most famous and popular street after Khreschatik. Colorful and lively, the street, about a half-mile in length and made of laid cobblestones, stretches from the city’s Upper Hill neighborhood to the old Podil district and Kontraktova Square.
Descending the street you can see the 18th century baroque St. Andrew’s Church, the Castle of Richard the Lionheart and the home of famous Ukrainian writer Mikhail Bulgakov.
But the real attraction is the market that exists daily along the street. It’s the best place to find all things Ukrainian. Kiosk venders sell everything from traditional handicrafts to antiquities. Sure, there’s some kitsch. But it doesn’t take anything away from the cultural experience.
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aaaa A woman hangs a woven blanket at her kiosk on Andrew’s Descent.
On a recent trip with my girlfriend the two of us purchased gifts to send family and friends for Christmas, all of which we were able to get at fair prices after some bargaining. In most cases I bargained in Russian, because the vendors are more impressed when a foreigner can speak with them in their own language. On one occasion, however, it happened in English. I should note, though, that most of the vendors here are able to speak English well, so it’s not necessary to speak Russian or Ukrainian.
Also during our trip down the descent, I managed to snap some photographs. Two of them are posted here.
Looks like the old man with a shaggy white beard had some interesting items for sale. Are they statues and candlesticks? I’d be curious of what they’re made of or how old? Those paintings next to him look very professional too as well as what looks to be some amazing hand-made throws or blankets. Think I could easily spend lots of time exploring Andrews Descent. As always, great photos Chris!